Moving doesn't have to be overwhelming. With over 14,000 successful moves completed across Arizona, we've refined this comprehensive checklist to cover every detail of your relocation. Whether you're moving across Phoenix or relocating to Arizona from another state, this timeline-based checklist ensures nothing falls through the cracks.

Why This Checklist Works

  • Based on 7+ years of professional moving experience
  • Organized by timeline for easy follow-along
  • Includes Arizona-specific considerations
  • Covers both local and long-distance moves
  • Updated for 2025 regulations and best practices

8 Weeks Before Moving

Two months before your move is when serious planning begins. This is the ideal time to start researching, budgeting, and making major decisions about your relocation. Early planning prevents last-minute stress and often saves money on moving services.

Research and Planning

  • Research and get quotes from at least 3 moving companies
  • Check moving company licenses and insurance (Arizona requires DOT numbers)
  • Read reviews and check BBB ratings
  • Set your moving budget including 10-15% contingency
  • Decide on moving date (avoid Arizona summer peak if possible)
  • Start decluttering - donate, sell, or discard unwanted items
  • Take photos of valuable items for insurance purposes
  • Research your new neighborhood (schools, utilities, services)
  • If moving for work, clarify relocation benefits with employer

Documentation

  • Create a moving binder or digital folder for important documents
  • Gather important records (medical, dental, veterinary, school)
  • Request school transcripts for children
  • Update or create home inventory for insurance
  • Scan important documents and save to cloud storage

6 Weeks Before Moving

Six weeks out is decision time. You should be finalizing your moving company choice and starting to handle administrative tasks. In Arizona's competitive housing market, this is also when you should be finalizing housing arrangements at your destination.

Bookings and Reservations

  • Book your moving company (get written confirmation)
  • Schedule time off work for moving days
  • Arrange pet transportation or boarding
  • Book travel arrangements if flying to new location
  • Reserve storage unit if needed (climate-controlled in Arizona)
  • Schedule vehicle transportation if not driving

Home Preparation

  • Order moving supplies (boxes, tape, bubble wrap, labels)
  • Start using up frozen and perishable foods
  • Begin packing rarely-used items (seasonal decorations, books)
  • Measure furniture to ensure it fits in new home
  • Photograph electronics setups before disconnecting
  • Create floor plan for furniture placement in new home

Administrative Tasks

  • Notify landlord (if renting) of move-out date
  • Review lease for move-out requirements
  • Start collecting moving receipts for taxes
  • Update address with employer/HR department
  • Research new state's driver's license requirements
  • Check voter registration requirements

4 Weeks Before Moving

One month before moving is when you'll handle most administrative changes and seriously ramp up packing efforts. This is a critical time for Arizona moves as you'll need to coordinate utility transfers with SRP, APS, or other local providers.

Change of Address

  • Submit change of address form with USPS
  • Update address with bank and credit cards
  • Change address for insurance policies (auto, life, health)
  • Update subscription services and memberships
  • Notify doctors, dentists, and specialists
  • Update address for online shopping accounts
  • Change address with DMV/MVD
  • Update voter registration

Utilities and Services

  • Schedule utility disconnection at current home
  • Set up utilities at new home (electricity, gas, water)
  • Transfer or cancel internet and cable services
  • Schedule final meter readings
  • Transfer or cancel home security services
  • Cancel or transfer lawn care/pool services
  • Update or cancel newspaper/magazine deliveries

Packing Progress

  • Pack non-essential items room by room
  • Label boxes clearly with contents and destination room
  • Create "Open First" box for each room
  • Pack a separate suitcase with clothes for moving week
  • Safely pack fragile items with proper padding
  • Take photos of valuable items being packed

2 Weeks Before Moving

The two-week mark is when final preparations intensify. In Arizona's heat, this is when you should ensure climate-sensitive items are properly protected and confirm all heat-related moving precautions with your moving company.

Final Arrangements

  • Confirm moving day details with moving company
  • Confirm parking/elevator reservations for moving day
  • Arrange for childcare on moving day
  • Get cash for moving day tips and expenses
  • Back up computer files to cloud or external drive
  • Clean out gym/work lockers
  • Return borrowed items
  • Collect loaned items from friends

Intensive Packing

  • Pack everything except daily essentials
  • Disassemble furniture that requires it
  • Pack electronics in original boxes if available
  • Separate and label hardware in bags
  • Pack cleaning supplies for move-out day
  • Create detailed inventory list of boxes

Arizona-Specific Preparations

  • Ensure heat-sensitive items are identified for climate-controlled transport
  • Pack extra water for moving day (Arizona heat consideration)
  • Protect leather and wood furniture from heat damage
  • Plan for early morning move to avoid peak heat
  • Ensure plants are properly prepared or rehomed (many don't survive moves)

1 Week Before Moving

The final week requires attention to detail and confirming all arrangements. This is when you'll finish packing, handle last-minute tasks, and prepare for the physical move. Arizona residents should pay special attention to heat preparations during summer months.

Final Confirmations

  • Call moving company to reconfirm arrival time
  • Confirm payment method with movers
  • Review moving contract and inventory
  • Check weather forecast for moving day
  • Confirm helpers if doing DIY move
  • Test that new home keys work

Essential Box Preparation

  • Pack essentials box with first-day necessities
  • Include toilet paper, towels, soap, medications
  • Pack tool kit for reassembly
  • Prepare snacks and water for moving day
  • Pack important documents to carry personally
  • Set aside cleaning supplies for final cleanup

Home Preparation

  • Defrost and clean refrigerator/freezer
  • Clean appliances that are moving
  • Disconnect washing machine and dishwasher
  • Remove batteries from remotes
  • Unplug all appliances
  • Do final laundry and pack dirty clothes separately

Moving Day

The big day has arrived! Success depends on preparation and clear communication with your movers. In Arizona, starting early is crucial during summer months to avoid the afternoon heat. Keep this checklist handy to ensure nothing is forgotten in the hustle.

Before Movers Arrive

  • Pack remaining toiletries and bedding
  • Strip beds and pack linens
  • Do final walkthrough with checklist
  • Protect floors and walls in high-traffic areas
  • Clear pathways for movers
  • Set aside payment and tips for movers

During the Move

  • Be present for inventory check
  • Review and sign bill of lading
  • Keep inventory list copy
  • Direct movers on fragile items
  • Check truck for forgotten items
  • Exchange contact info with driver
  • Take final meter readings

Final Walkthrough

  • Check all rooms, closets, and cabinets
  • Look in attic, basement, garage, shed
  • Check behind doors
  • Retrieve items from ceiling fans
  • Turn off all lights and lock all windows
  • Leave keys, garage door openers, and codes
  • Take final photos for security deposit

After Moving - First Week

Congratulations on completing your move! The first week in your new home is crucial for settling in and handling administrative tasks. Arizona's new residents have specific requirements for establishing residency, which we've included below.

Immediate Priorities

  • Check inventory - report damages within 24 hours
  • Locate and test circuit breakers and water shut-offs
  • Install new locks or rekey existing ones
  • Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
  • Locate nearest hospital and urgent care
  • Update home security system codes

Arizona New Resident Tasks

  • Apply for Arizona driver's license (within 10 days)
  • Register vehicle in Arizona (within 15 days)
  • Register to vote in new county
  • Find new doctors and transfer medical records
  • Register children for school
  • Update pet licenses with new city
  • Register with new HOA if applicable

Settling In

  • Unpack essentials and daily-use items first
  • Set up kitchen basics for meal preparation
  • Assemble beds and set up bedrooms
  • Connect and test all appliances
  • Update emergency contacts with new local numbers
  • Explore neighborhood and locate essential services
  • Introduce yourself to neighbors
  • Leave positive reviews for your movers

Special Considerations for Arizona Moves

Moving in Arizona presents unique challenges, particularly related to our extreme summer heat. With temperatures regularly exceeding 110°F from June through September, special precautions are essential for protecting your belongings and ensuring everyone's safety.

Heat-Related Precautions

  • Schedule summer moves for early morning (5-9 AM)
  • Ensure movers take frequent water breaks
  • Provide electrolyte drinks for moving crew
  • Use climate-controlled trucks for sensitive items
  • Protect electronics from extreme heat exposure
  • Never leave pets in vehicles, even briefly
  • Cover leather furniture to prevent heat damage
  • Remove candles and crayons from boxes (will melt)
  • Transport wine and vinyl records in cooled vehicle
  • Protect photos and artwork from heat warping

Arizona-Specific Services

  • Set up SRP or APS electricity service
  • Establish water service with city or EPCOR
  • Schedule pool service if applicable
  • Arrange pest control (essential in Arizona)
  • Set up irrigation system timer
  • Install sun screens on windows
  • Service HVAC system before summer

Moving with Special Circumstances

Moving with Children

  • Prepare children emotionally for the move
  • Let kids pack special boxes with their treasures
  • Pack favorite toys and comfort items separately
  • Research schools and activities in new area
  • Arrange school records transfer
  • Update medical records and find new pediatrician
  • Plan fun first-week activities in new location

Moving with Pets

  • Update pet microchip information
  • Get veterinary records and certificates
  • Research pet regulations in new area
  • Pack pet essentials separately
  • Find new veterinarian before emergency
  • Never transport pets in moving trucks
  • In Arizona heat, never leave pets in cars

Moving with Seniors

  • Coordinate medical care transfer
  • Ensure medications are accessible
  • Pack medical equipment last, unpack first
  • Arrange for comfortable travel
  • Set up medical alert systems immediately
  • Maintain routine as much as possible

Money-Saving Moving Tips

Moving costs can add up quickly, but with strategic planning, you can significantly reduce expenses. Here are proven strategies our customers have used to save hundreds or even thousands on their moves.

  • Book Early: Reserve movers 4-6 weeks ahead for better rates
  • Avoid Peak Times: Summer weekends are most expensive in Arizona
  • Declutter Aggressively: Less stuff means lower moving costs
  • Compare Multiple Quotes: Prices can vary by 50% or more
  • Pack Yourself: Save $500-1,500 on packing services
  • Use Free Boxes: Liquor stores, grocery stores, and online marketplaces
  • Tax Deductions: Job-related moves may be tax deductible
  • Flexible Dates: Mid-month and weekday moves cost less
  • Sell Before Moving: Heavy furniture might cost more to move than replace
  • Check Insurance: Your homeowner's policy might cover moving

Making Your Arizona Move Successful

Moving is one of life's most stressful events, but proper planning makes all the difference. This comprehensive checklist, refined through thousands of successful Arizona moves, provides the framework for a smooth relocation. Remember that every move is unique, so adapt this checklist to your specific needs.

The key to a successful move is starting early, staying organized, and choosing the right moving partner. Professional movers like Arizona Direct Movers can handle the heavy lifting while you focus on the important details of transitioning your family to a new home.

Whether you're moving to San Tan Valley's growing communities, upgrading to a Scottsdale luxury home, or relocating your Phoenix business, this checklist ensures nothing important is forgotten. Print it out, customize it for your needs, and check off tasks as you complete them for peace of mind throughout your moving journey.